Monogamy works well for some but not others. Social status, religion, race, sexual orientation, and political philosophy don’t matter. Honesty, openness, love, commitment, communication, patience, and egalitarianism do.
Here I pass along what I’ve learned and teach at events on common challenges polyamorists encounter and their practical remedies, along with thoughts on related subjects such as community organizing, activism, and sexual freedom. Feel free to comment – and welcome!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Showtime's Polyamory: Married and Dating

I am a fan of quite a few adult-themed Showtime series like Californication, Dexter, Weeds, Shameless, House of Lies, etc. When about ten days before its premiere Showtime, which had been entirely silent until that point, finally ran the following teaser about its polyamory documentary reality series, Polyamory: Married and Dating, I just happened to be watching.

I jumped up and cried "Wow, it's Showtime!" I immediately ran to my computer and checked the Showtime website for more info, and there was nothing there. But it didn't take long for that to change. I was more excited about it than any other media event that has ever taken place.

We polyamory advocates have known for a long time that a poly reality series was being pitched in Hollywood but that the networks were skittish about offending viewers and sponsors. As time passed and media interest in polyamory grew and grew and grew, Showtime finally decided to go with it. Thanks to the marvelous cast and courageous producer Natalia Garcia, Showtime came up with a real winner that has done more to raise awareness and start conversations about polyamory than anything that has gone before it.
A lot was riding on this show. Cast and crew held a fair amount of the fate of the polyamory movement. There were a couple of statements putting down monogamy that we actavists could have done without, but it wasn't was due to malice or a lack of awareness of the sensitive nature of such statements.

Many congrats and thanks to Michael, Kamala, Jen, Tahl, Anthony, Vanessa and Lindsey for having the courage to show their lives to people who may well have never known there was another option for intimate relationships!

Alan of the Polyamory in the Media blog reports a recent conversation with Natalia Garcia about the series's future and learned that Garcia is actively seeking poly families to appear in a second season of this show. Please do contact her if you are interested, and contact me so we can help you put your best food forward on behalf of the polyamory movement when your turn comes.

Anita's Liberal Identity:

According to this fun test, I am a Reality-Based Intellectualist, also known as the liberal elite. I am a proud member of what’s known as the reality-based community, where science, reason, and non-Jesus-based thought reign supreme.